Abstract: Apparatus for inserting wires into terminals comprises a templet plate having wire-receiving slots extending therethrough from one surface to the opposite surface. The slots extend to one edge of the plate so that wires positioned on one surface adjacent to the edge will, when pressed progressively against the surface, move into the slots. Inserters move through the slots and insert the wires into a connector positioned under the other face of the templet. In accordance with a further aspect of the disclosure, a shuttle type wire feed is provided in combination with the templet plate and a second wire insertion apparatus is provided to produce electrical harnesses.

Abstract: Leading portions of individual wires of a plurality of wires are positioned in spaced apart relationships with respect to each other by a wire separating mechanism which utilizes a template having a generally planar surface with a primary groove defined therein capable of substantially accommodating a trailing portion of each of the wires in a bunched together condition and a plurality of secondary grooves defined therein which emanate from the primary groove along separate, spaced apart paths, each of the secondary grooves capable of substantially accommodating therein the leading portion of only one of the wires. A clamp on the mechanism located near one end of the primary groove holds the trailing portions of the wires within the primary groove in their bunched together condition. A roller element mounted on the mechanism and having a cylindrical surface is moved by the mechanism into engagement with the trailing portions of the wires so as to introduce compressive forces thereon.